The Cairo Court for urgent matters postponed its verdict on dissolving an ultras groups formed by radical soccer fans and listing them as a terrorist organisation to 29 December.

The lawsuit was filed by Mortada Mansour, Zamalek Club chairman, who accused the fans of forming “terrorist groups”. Mansour presented evidence to the court proving that the groups participated in various riots and assassination attempts.

Mansour had previously filed an urgent lawsuit to ban the Zamalek Sporting Club’s Ultras group, the Ultras White Knights (UWK), accusing it of attempting to assassinate him. On 8 December, 12 UWK members were referred to criminal court.

Ultras groups in Egypt have engaged in numerous brawls and clashes with police forces. The ultras became known for their anti-military and anti-government slogans and played a prominent roles in the 25 January Revolution and other confrontations with the police thereafter.

The groups have come under heavy criticism from pro-government politicians and media.